A Peek at the Peak District (Without the Walking Boots, Yet)
Hello lovely readers!
Let’s take a scenic detour today – no leaping into canals, no covert missions, and only a passing mention of walking (you may stow your hiking socks for now). This is all about the Peak District: its villages, valleys, and a few very grand houses that probably have more staircases than I’ve had cups of tea (and that’s saying something).
Where is the High Peak?
High Peak is a local government district and borough in northwest Derbyshire, covering approximately 208 square miles (nearly a fifth of the county), including rural uplands and a large slice of the Peak District National Park.
It spans from Glossop in the north, through Chapel-en-le Frith, Buxton, Whaley Bridge, and New Mills, and includes parts of Hope Valley and Castleton.
Roughly 30% of the borough is rural, with terrain ranging from gritstone moorlands (Dark Peak) to limestone dales (White Peak).
So, what *is* the Peak District?
Well, it was Britain’s first National Park, officially crowned in 1951. And quite right too. It straddles five counties (yes, five!) and stretches out like a patchwork quilt of moorland, limestone valleys, gritstone edges, and the sort of views that make you want to sigh dramatically. It’s not just rolling hills and sheep either – there are castles, caves, market towns, and more Bakewell Pudding than you could reasonably eat (though heaven knows I’ve tried).
Now, I want to focus on the High Peak area because this is Jeffrey’s country – a beautiful chunk of the northern Peak District, full of character, charm, and the odd eccentric pub. You’ll find Buxton here – spa town extraordinaire with its Georgian grandeur and a dome so big it once housed a full-blown railway. Chapel-en-le-Frith, known as the ‘Capital of the Peak,’ is a market town with history tucked into every cobbled corner.
Then there’s Castleton, home to mysterious caverns and the shiny Blue John stone, which sounds like a pirate but is in fact a very fancy mineral. So expensive Jeffrey has to wait till he is a superstar to have a collar made from it. If you fancy a flutter through literary history, Hathersage awaits — allegedly home to Little John’s grave and a known haunt of Charlotte Brontë. A gothic delight.
- Other villages well worth a wander:
- Edale – nestled at the start of the Pennine Way (we won’t walk it just yet, promise)
- Hope – friendly, picturesque, and yes, full of it
- Glossop – the gateway to the Dark Peak, and a good spot for a cuppa.
But what about the posh houses?
Ah yes, let’s get a bit Downton.
Now, while they’re not technically inside the High Peak area, you’ll find both Chatsworth House and Haddon Hall just a stone’s throw away (preferably not actually thrown, they’re rather precious).
Chatsworth is the sort of place that makes you feel underdressed just looking at it. It’s still home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, has been in the family for centuries, and has played host to films like Pride & Prejudice and The Duchess. The gardens alone are worth the trip — fountains, a maze, and even a waterfall that was designed just to impress.
Haddon Hall is smaller but absolutely dripping with a medieval atmosphere. It’s been lovingly preserved and feels like stepping onto a film set. In fact, it often is one.
Fancy a wander?
Just a brief mention, I promise — the Peak is packed with walking routes, but we’ll dive into that in another post. Let’s just say places like Mam Tor, Kinder Scout, and the Monsal Trail are calling… but we’re politely not answering for now.
In Summary?
The High Peak part of the Peak District is more than just a pretty face. It’s historic, higgledy-piggledy, and full of places that make you want to slow down, take a deep breath, and maybe have a second scone. And if you’re partial to a grand day out, Chatsworth and Haddon Hall are close enough to count – just don’t tell the boundary police.
Have you been? Got a favourite village, or a secret spot you always return to? Pop it in the comments — I’d love to know.
Until next time,
Sharon (and probably Jeffrey, somewhere he shouldn’t be)
P.S. I’ll be posting a proper walking blog soon — muddy paws, wild views, and all the best spots for a sneaky sandwich. Watch this space.